Do I enter reads or read pairs?

For paired-end, enter the number of pairs (the usual spec) and keep the layout on paired-end — each pair contributes both mates. For single-end, enter the read count directly.

Is this the same as usable data?

No. It is raw output. Duplicates, adapter/quality trimming, and unmapped reads reduce usable yield, so budget headroom above the raw Gb figure.

Sequencing yield calculator

Convert between read count and total sequencing output in gigabases (Gb), for single- or paired-end runs — or work out how many reads you need for a target yield.

How it works

Formula

yield (Gb) = reads × read length × (2 for paired-end, 1 for single) ÷ 1,000,000,000. Inverted: reads = target Gb × 10⁹ ÷ (read length × mates). Paired-end counts both mates of a pair.

Worked example

400 million read pairs at 2 × 150 bp: 400,000,000 × 150 × 2 ÷ 10⁹ = 120 Gb. Going the other way, 90 Gb of PE150 needs 90×10⁹ ÷ (150 × 2) = 300,000,000 read pairs.

When to use it

To translate a sequencer’s read-count spec into deliverable data (Gb), or to size a run to the yield your coverage target needs. Pair it with the coverage calculator to go from Gb to depth.

Sensible defaults

Defaults compute the yield of 400M PE150 read pairs (120 Gb). Switch the direction to size a run to a target Gb instead.

FAQ

Do I enter reads or read pairs?: For paired-end, enter the number of pairs (the usual spec) and keep the layout on paired-end — each pair contributes both mates. For single-end, enter the read count directly.
Is this the same as usable data?: No. It is raw output. Duplicates, adapter/quality trimming, and unmapped reads reduce usable yield, so budget headroom above the raw Gb figure.